Lubricant dispensing cartridge

ABSTRACT

A lubricant dispensing cartridge includes a body including a container storing a pressurized fluid, a hose coupling directly connected to the body, and an actuator configured to open the container to allow the pressurized fluid to exit the body through the hose coupling.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Application No. 62/091,265, filed Dec. 12, 2014, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates generally to the field of pressure washers and more particularly to devices for winterizing the pump of a pressure washer.

Pressure washers may be stored for extended periods of time, such as over the winter. Fluids remaining in the engine and/or the pump may cause damage if left during storage periods. For example, fuel left in the engine and fuel lines can foul and water left in the pump housing and lines can freeze when temperatures drop below freezing, expanding, and causing damage by cracking components such as hoses, detergent lines, manifolds, etc. The pressure washer may therefore be prepared for such storage by draining or treating at least some of the fluids from the engine and/or the pump. Water and detergent or other chemical additives may be removed from the pump, for example, by running clean water through the pump, removing the spray gun and hoses from the pump outlet, and expelling remaining liquid from the pump housing (e.g., by manually pulling the recoil handle).

The pump may be further prepared for storage with a pump saver fluid including a lubricant and/or anti-freeze. Currently, the pump saver fluid is typically introduced to the pump by providing the pump saver fluid in a tub or other open container and running the pressure washer to pump the fluid through the pump. Pumping the fluid through the pump from an open container can be messy and troublesome. Pump saver fluid can also be introduced to the pump via a multi-use bottle that is attached to the pump inlet. One example of such a multi-use bottle resembles an aerosol shaving cream can with a hose attached to an outlet. The user depresses a button on top of the can to dispense the pump saver fluid through the hose. The multi-use bottle must be stored between uses and can become misplaced. In either case, the user of the pressure washer may decide to forgo the proper application of the pump saver fluid before storing the pressure washer, resulting in damage to the pump.

SUMMARY

One embodiment of the invention relates to a lubricant dispensing cartridge including a body including a container storing a pressurized fluid, a hose coupling connected to the body, and an actuator configured to open the container to allow the pressurized fluid to exit the body through the hose coupling.

Alternative exemplary embodiments relate to other features and combinations of features as may be generally recited in the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will become more fully understood from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a pressure washer.

FIG. 2 is a schematic cross section view of a dispensing cartridge, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a schematic cross section view of a dispensing cartridge, in accordance with another exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a schematic cross section view of a dispensing cartridge, in accordance with another exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a schematic cross section view of a dispensing cartridge, in accordance with another exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a schematic cross section view of a dispensing cartridge, in accordance with another exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a schematic cross section view of a dispensing cartridge, in accordance with another exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a schematic cross section view of a dispensing cartridge, in accordance with another exemplary embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Before turning to the figures, which illustrate the exemplary embodiments in detail, it should be understood that the application is not limited to the details or methodology set forth in the description or illustrated in the figures. It should also be understood that the terminology is for the purpose of description only and should not be regarded as limiting.

Referring to FIG. 1, a pressure washer 10 includes a frame 12 supporting a prime mover 14, such as an internal combustion engine, and a water pump 16 (e.g., positive displacement pump, piston water pump, axial cam pump) configured to be connected to a spray gun 18 with a delivery conduit 20 (e.g., a high-pressure hose). In other embodiments, an electric motor is used as the prime mover 14. In some embodiments, the prime mover 14 is fastened to the top of a base plate 22 of the frame 12 and the water pump 16 is mounted below the base plate 22 and connected to a power takeoff of the prime mover 14 via a hole through the base plate 22. In other embodiments, the water pump is directly coupled to and supported by the engine or prime mover. The water pump 16 is coupled (e.g., directly coupled, indirectly coupled by a transmission, belts, gears, or other drive system) to the prime mover 14 to be driven by the prime mover 14. In some embodiments, the pressure washer 10 is portable and includes wheels 24 and a handle 26. In other embodiments, the pressure washer 10 may be stationary. In other embodiments, the pressure washer 10 is mounted to a trailer or other vehicle.

The water pump 16 includes a pump inlet 28 and a pump outlet 30. The pump inlet 28 is configured to be coupled to a supply conduit or hose, which is in turn connected to a fluid supply (e.g., a spigot connected to a municipal water supply or well). In some embodiments, the pump inlet 28 includes a low-pressure, garden-hose style fitting for coupling a garden hose to the pump inlet 28. The pump outlet 30 includes a high-pressure fitting (e.g., an M22 fitting) for coupling the pump outlet 30 to the delivery conduit 20 or other device including an appropriate high pressure fitting. As shown in FIG. 1, pressure washer 10 uses a vertical shaft engine. According to an alternative embodiment, the prime mover may be a horizontal shaft engine.

A compound may be introduced into the pump 16 to protect the pump 16 during periods of disuse, such as when being stored over the winter. The compound may include substances such as a lubricant (e.g., oil) and/or anti-freeze to protect the internal components of the pump 16 by inhibiting the collection of moisture and mineral deposits, reducing rust, freeze damage, and drying out of pistons and seals.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the compound is provided in a dispensing cartridge 40. The dispensing cartridge 40 is configured to be coupled to the pump inlet 28 and actuated to release the compound into the pump 16. The dispensing cartridge 40 may be left coupled to the pump inlet 28 after the compound has been released until the pressure washer 10 is to be used again. For example, a user may “winterize” the pump 16 with the dispensing cartridge 40 at the end of the pressure washer season (e.g., fall) and then remove the dispensing cartridge 40 at the start of the pressure washer season (e.g., spring). Pumps typically include a check valve disposed at the pump outlet 30, allowing air inside the pump 16 to be displaced from inside the pump 16 by the compound while sealing the inside of the pump from air entering the pump outlet 30.

Referring now in general to FIGS. 2-8, the dispensing cartridge 40 is shown according to several exemplary embodiments. The dispensing cartridge 40 includes a hollow body 42 defining an internal volume 45. A container 44 disposed within the volume 45 contains the protective compound in the form of a pressurized fluid. The dispensing cartridge 40 further includes a hose coupling 46 directly connected to the body 42. Unlike some multi-use bottles, there is not a flexible hose or conduit connecting the body 42 to the hose coupling 46. According to an exemplary embodiment, the hose coupling 46 includes external threads 47 configured to engage corresponding internal threads in the pump inlet 28 to couple the dispensing cartridge 40 to the pump inlet 28. In other embodiments, the hose coupling 46 may be configured to engage another type of fitting (e.g., a high pressure hose fitting, a barbed hose fitting, etc.). An actuator 48 is configured to open the container 44 to allow the pressurized fluid to exit the body 42 through the hose coupling 46 and into the interior of the pump 16 (e.g., as an aerosol, a foam, etc.). In some embodiments, the container 44 may integrally formed with one or more of the body 42, the actuator 48 or the hose coupling 46.

According to one exemplary embodiment, the dispensing cartridge 40 is a one-time use device that is coupled to the pump inlet 28 before storage, and is removed from the pump inlet 28 when the pressure washer 10 is to be used again, at which point the dispensing cartridge 40 may be recycled or otherwise disposed of In other embodiments, the dispensing cartridge 40 may be configured for multiple uses.

Referring to FIG. 2, in one embodiment, the dispensing cartridge 40 includes an actuator 48 in the form of a push button. The actuator 48 is moveable relative to the body 42 in a direction parallel to a longitudinal axis 50. The container 44 includes a weakened portion 52. When the actuator 48 is depressed, the weakened portion 52 is forced against a piercing member 54, shown as an insert disposed in the internal volume 45. The piercing member 54 causes the weakened portion 52 to rupture, opening the container 44 and allowing the compound to escape the container 44 and the dispensing cartridge 40 through the hose coupling 46. According to an exemplary embodiment the weakened portion 52 may be a face of the container 44 having a scoring or other area of reduced thickness. In other embodiments, the weakened portion 52 may be a portion of the container 44 formed of a relatively weak material, such as a flexible membrane. In still other embodiments, the container 44 may be a flexible bag formed from a pierceable or a rigid container formed from a frangible material. A removable member 55 (e.g., tab, strip, etc.) may be disposed such that it impedes the movement of the actuator 48, thereby reducing the likelihood that the container 44 will be opened by a force inadvertently applied to the actuator 48. The removable member 55 may be separated from the dispensing cartridge 40 (e.g., broken off, torn off, etc.) to allow the actuator 48 to be operated.

Referring to FIG. 3, in another embodiment, the dispensing cartridge 40 includes an actuator 48 in the form of a push button that is moveable relative to the body 42 in a direction other than parallel to a longitudinal axis 50. For example, the actuator 48 may include one or more buttons that are squeezed sideways in a direction normal to the longitudinal axis. The buttons may be configured to open the container 44 by cutting, puncturing, tearing, or otherwise opening an aperture in the container 44. The buttons may open the container 44 directly, or may force the container 44 against another body (e.g., a stationary spike or blade) to open the container 44.

Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, in another embodiment, the dispensing cartridge 40 includes an actuator 48 in the form of a push button that opens a valve 56. The actuator 48 may be moveable relative to the body 42 in a direction parallel to a longitudinal axis 50 (FIG. 4) or may be moveable relative to the body 42 in a direction other than parallel to a longitudinal axis 50. For example, the actuator 48 may include a button that is moveable in a direction normal to the longitudinal axis 50 (FIG. 5). When the actuator 48 is depressed, the valve 56 is opened, allowing the compound to escape the container 44 and the dispensing cartridge 40 through the hose coupling 46. A biasing member 58 may be disposed within the dispensing cartridge to apply a force on the actuator 48 that must be overcome be the user to open the valve 56, thereby reducing the likelihood that the valve 56 will be opened prematurely by a force inadvertently applied to the actuator 48.

Referring to FIGS. 6-8, in another embodiment, the dispensing cartridge 40 includes an actuator 48 in the form of a twist button rotatable relative to the body 42. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the actuator 48 may include external threads 60 that engage corresponding internal threads 62 formed by the body 42. By twisting the actuator 48 relative to the body 42, the actuator 48 may be moved relative to the body to pierce a weakened portion 52 of the container 44 (FIG. 6), thereby opening the container 44, or to open a valve 56 (FIG. 7), thereby opening the container 44. As shown in FIG. 8, the container 44 may include a first portion 64 that is rigidly coupled to the actuator 48 and a second portion 66 that is coupled to the body 42 such that is rotationally fixed to the body 42, such as with a non-round post 68 received in a non-round opening 69 in the body 42. The container 44 may be opened by applying a predetermined torque to the actuator 48, shearing the first portion 64 away from the second portion 66 to open the container 44.

In some embodiments, the actuator 48 may be coupled to the body 42 in such a way that the actuator 48 is automatically engaged to open the container 44 when the hose coupling 46 reaches a predetermined installed position relative to a mating coupling with the pump inlet 28. For example, rotation of the actuator 48 relative to the body 42 may be impeded by a break-away member or by the friction between the threads 60 and 62 until the hose coupling 46 is fully coupled to the pump inlet 28 and a predetermined torque is applied to the actuator 48.

The construction and arrangement of the apparatus, systems and methods as shown in the various exemplary embodiments are illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments have been described in detail in this disclosure, many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.). For example, some elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed from multiple parts or elements, the position of elements may be reversed or otherwise varied and the nature or number of discrete elements or positions may be altered or varied. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure. The order or sequence of any process or method steps may be varied or re-sequenced according to alternative embodiments. Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

Although the figures may show or the description may provide a specific order of method steps, the order of the steps may differ from what is depicted. Also two or more steps may be performed concurrently or with partial concurrence. Such variation will depend on various factors, including software and hardware systems chosen and on designer choice. All such variations are within the scope of the disclosure. Likewise, software implementations could be accomplished with standard programming techniques with rule based logic and other logic to accomplish the various connection steps, processing steps, comparison steps and decision steps.

As utilized herein, the terms “approximately,” “about,” “substantially”, and similar terms are intended to have a broad meaning in harmony with the common and accepted usage by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the subject matter of this disclosure pertains. It should be understood by those of skill in the art who review this disclosure that these terms are intended to allow a description of certain features described and claimed without restricting the scope of these features to the precise numerical ranges or geometric relationships provided. Accordingly, these terms should be interpreted as indicating that insubstantial or inconsequential modifications or alterations of the subject matter described and claimed are considered to be within the scope of the invention as recited in the appended claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A lubricant dispensing cartridge, comprising: a body including a container storing a pressurized fluid; a hose coupling directly connected to the body; and an actuator configured to open the container to allow the pressurized fluid to exit the body through the hose coupling.
 2. The cartridge of claim 1, wherein the container comprises a valve configured to be opened by the actuator.
 3. The cartridge of claim 1, wherein the container comprises a weakened area configured to be opened by the actuator.
 4. The cartridge of claim 1, wherein the container comprises a pressure vessel.
 5. The cartridge of claim 1, wherein the container comprises a flexible bag.
 6. The cartridge of claim 5, wherein the actuator is configured to puncture the flexible bag.
 7. The cartridge of claim 1, wherein the actuator comprises a push button movable relative to the body.
 8. The cartridge of claim 7, wherein the push button is movable axially relative to a longitudinal axis of the body.
 9. The cartridge of claim 1, wherein the actuator comprises a twist button rotatable relative to the body.
 10. The cartridge of claim 1, wherein the actuator is automatically engaged to open the container when the hose coupling reaches a predetermined installed position relative to a mating coupling.
 11. The cartridge of claim 1, wherein the hose coupling comprises an external thread.
 12. The cartridge of claim 1, wherein the hose coupling comprises a quick-connect fitting.
 13. The cartridge of claim 1, wherein the pressurized fluid comprises a lubricant.
 14. The cartridge of claim 1, wherein the pressurized fluid comprises a foaming lubricant.
 15. The cartridge of claim 1, wherein the pressurized fluid comprises a mixture of lubricant and anti-freeze.
 16. The cartridge of claim 1, wherein a flexible hose is not included to connect the hose coupling to the body. 